By Tom Maston

The Real Madrid man has expressed his delight at being named in Mano Menezes' latest squad, despite having not made an appearance for the club so far this season

Real Madrid forward Kaka has admitted that he was surprised to be handed a call-up to the Brazil squad after a disappointing start to the season at a domestic level.

The 30-year-old is yet to make an appearance for the reigning Liga champions this season, but he has been recalled by national coach Mano Menezes for the 2014 World Cup hosts' friendlies against Iraq and Japan in October.

The 2007 Ballon d'Or winner has not featured for Brazil in two years, but his return is a timely one with less than two years to go until the World Cup in his home country.

"I admit it was a surprise this call. I followed the disclosure of the list for TV, mainly because I'd been told that my name might be one of those listed," he explained to globoesporte.com.

"When the list was published, I was extremely happy. It was like my first call-up."

The former AC Milan player has appeared in the last three World Cups, but he was worried he would be left out in the cold for the 2014 competition after failing to secure a regular place in Jose Mourinho's side, and he has attributed his lack of starts to the system the Portuguese manager plays.

"Milan and Real Madrid play with different formations. In my time at Milan the club played with a 4-3-1-2 formation and I was the player behind the two strikers," he added.

"At Real, I play behind three. There is a greater defensive obligation, but I try to work around the area."

The experienced playmaker also revealed that he is yet to have met youngster Neymar, but he is looking forward to coming face-to-face with the Santos forward.

"I have never met Neymar personally. It will be the first time," he revealed.

"I have been following his performances here in Europe, but I do not know the size of everything that happens to him in Brazil.

"I followed a little speculation of him possibly coming to Spain and that was it. It will be nice to meet him for the first time."